Over 100 runners expected for inaugural True Grit Race

TRENTON – Promoting a healthy lifestyle was the central goal of creating the True Grit Race.

An extension of that was bringing together the community and North Nova Education Centre by recognizing the active community in Pictou County and finding a way to get students active at the school. Registration for the inaugural race has been on an upswing in recent weeks as more than 100 are expected to attend this Sunday, May 4, in Trenton Park.

“We really didn’t know what to expect because the run is in its first year and there are so many runs in the community,” said co-chair Lia Lewis. “What we were surprised by was the amount of outside support in the community. We can’t say enough about Terry Curley and the Johnny Miles group for the feedback they have given us on setting up the event and giving us what we need to run the race.”

The name of the event comes from the True Grit Award that was created two years ago at the school in honour of Neil MacKinnon. With that they will honour someone each year in the community or school that the award qualities (team player, competitor, role model and leader) represent. This year they will recognize MacKinnon.

Pre-registration for the event’s 5 and 10 km races is available online at atlanticchip.ca. There will be on-site registration on Sunday morning beginning at approximately 8 a.m., with the event starting at 9 a.m. The cost to participate, which includes a dry-fit running shirt, is $30 for adults and $25 for students.

Lewis said staff and members of the community have sponsored students that haven’t been able to afford the entry fee, but still wanted to participate. She added that the creation of this event has also led to a staff running group being created at North Nova.

“There will be some staff members running their first race this weekend and the running group that was started was a way for them to prepare for that,” she said. “Our initial focus was to bring the students and active Pictou County community together, but that exceeded our expectations with both the staff and students becoming interested in this event.”